The Bulgarian Nuclear Regulatory Agency (BNRA) has reported significant progress in the transition from Russian nuclear fuel to supplies sourced from Westinghouse Electric Company at Unit 5 of the Kozloduy nuclear power plant. This transition is notable as it marks a strategic shift in Bulgaria’s energy policy, enhancing the nation’s energy security and aligning with broader European Union goals for diversification of energy sources.
According to BNRA Chairman Tsanko Bachiyski, the transition is proceeding smoothly and adheres to the approved technical documentation. Two batches of new fuel assemblies have already been successfully inserted into the reactor core, with initial performance monitoring indicating stable and expected operational levels. This successful integration not only underscores Bulgaria’s commitment to energy independence but also reflects ongoing efforts to modernize its nuclear capabilities.
A planned shutdown of Unit 5 is scheduled for May 9, during which additional fuel assemblies will be installed as part of a maintenance outage expected to last approximately 40 days. Continuous monitoring protocols will remain active throughout this period, with the full transition of fuel anticipated to be completed by 2027. A comprehensive assessment of long-term performance is projected for 2028, which will be critical for evaluating the success of this diversification initiative.
Bulgaria’s efforts in fuel diversification are significant within the context of the European Union, positioning the country as the first member state to successfully implement such a transition for a VVER-1000 reactor. This achievement was acknowledged during recent reviews under the Convention on Nuclear Safety, highlighting its importance within regional energy discussions.
<pSimultaneously, the Kozloduy plant operator has submitted a proposal to test new fuel assemblies in Unit 6. However, this application has been returned for further revision due to incomplete documentation. The plant has been granted two months to address these issues before the review process can proceed. Bachiyski noted that any regulatory approval will hinge on strict adherence to safety standards and that evaluating test assembly performance in Unit 6 will necessitate several years of operational data. Consequently, any decisions regarding broader fuel replacement initiatives will be contingent upon thorough evidence collection and analysis.
